"Democrats have spoken loud and clear, in one voice, echoing off every corner of the Hudson Valley -- that we are back; we are strong; we have had enough, and we are ready work together to make Congress work for working people again," Maloney said in a press release.

Maloney, a Manhattan attorney, will run against Republican incumbent Nan Hayworth this November. If he defeats her, he will be the first openly gay member of Congress from New York.

The district covers the northeast section of Westchester County, southeast Dutchess County and all of Putnam and Orange counties. The other 18th Congressional District Democratic candidates were Matt Alexander, Richard Becker, Duane Jackson and Thomas Wilson.

Becker conceded the race.

"I'd like to congratulate my opponent for his victory tonight and wish him the best of luck in the general election. The Hudson Valley can't afford two more years of this Tea Party Congress. One term was one too many for Nan Hayworth," he said.

Even with a choice of five Democratic candidates battling to represent the district this year, Maloney's supporters said picking him was an easy decision.

Laura Totino along with her son Gregory Totino of Fishkill both said they voted for Maloney.

"I think he'll bring prosperity back to the Hudson Valley," said 19-year-old Gregory Totino, a student. "I admire what he's done with (former) President Bill Clinton."

Clinton backed his former White House aide for Congress in a statement that he released in early June, calling him "the right Democrat to help restore the economy."

"We're familiar with his work, more so than with the other candidates," Laura Totino said. "We need a change."

Evan Davidson, an East Fishkill resident, agreed that Maloney was the best Democrat for the job.

"He seems to have the best credentials," he said. "Any connection with Washington (D.C.) is good, and he has contacts."

Ernie Baumbach of Hopewell Junction voted for Maloney, too.

"It's important that we have someone who strongly supports the Democratic agenda," Baumbach said. "We need Democratic plans to win over Republican plans."

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18th District: Maloney wins primary

Sean Patrick Maloney has won the Democratic primary election in the 18th Congressional District, according to unofficial resu